Oct 18th, 2006 9:29 AM

The Trees Ontario Foundation donates 6 red maples on the anniversary of the late Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s birthday

(Thornhill, Ontario, October 18, 2006) Today, MPP Mario Racco, City of Vaughan Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, and John Cary, President of the Trees Ontario Foundation planted 6 red maples donated by the Trees Ontario Foundation in Vaughan’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park to celebrate the birthday of the late Pierre Trudeau, one of Canada’s most charismatic leaders.

As much at ease handling Opposition questions in the House of Commons as he was paddling a canoe down one of the many rivers in northern Quebec, Mr. Trudeau governed the country for nearly 15 years before passing away in 2000.

John Cary, President of the Trees Ontario Foundation, said the former prime minister’s preoccupation with the Canadian outdoors is well documented and today’s event was a great occasion to not only acknowledge that fact but to do something good for the environment.

“The trees planted here today are a lasting tribute to Pierre Trudeau, and stand as a symbol of Ontario’s greatest natural resource. The Trees Ontario Foundation welcomes the opportunity to honour a passionate Canadian like Mr. Trudeau and encourage Ontarians’ to enjoy the outdoors.”

Unveiled on October 20th, 2004, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park is 12 acres and contains a bronze statue of Pierre Trudeau and a large fountain. It is the newest park to be designated in the City of Vaughan. The park contains the only covered, elevated gazebo in Vaughan.

The Trees Ontario Foundation (TOF) is a non-profit foundation established in 1994 as an independent arm of the Ontario Forestry Association. TOF was formed with a mandate to promote and support tree planting initiatives in Ontario. Visit www.treesontario.on.ca.